Split Hand Lake
About Split Hand Lake
Split Hand Lake is a 1,374-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to black crappie, sunfish, and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Split Hand Lake
- 1,374 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,374 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 511 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: All from 20-24" must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 20, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 23, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Split Hand Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Split Hand Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids244 acres
1.8 miles away
Mountain Ash Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City101 acres
4.1 miles away
Little Cowhorn Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids181 acres
4.2 miles away
Taylor Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Hill City55 acres
4.8 miles away
Carlson Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids188 acres
5.1 miles away
Dinner Pail Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City47 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Split Hand Lake?
Split Hand Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 1,374 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Split Hand Lake?
Split Hand Lake covers 1,374 acres with about 7.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Split Hand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Split Hand Lake?
Yes. Split Hand Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Split Hand Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Split Hand Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Split Hand Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Split Hand Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Split Hand Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. All from 20-24" must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Split Hand Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 20, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.